DWU students honored at convocation

Monday, April 28, 2014

Many Dakota Wesleyan University students were honored on April 27 at the 2014 Honors Sunday convocation held on campus.

Students were recognized for honors in scholarship and for active participation in a variety of campus clubs or events. In addition, alumni medals were presented to outstanding students in various academic departments.

DWU is a private, liberal arts university associated with the Dakotas Conference of the United Methodist Church. More than 800 students are enrolled in various academic majors.

To graduate with honors, students must complete at least three honors courses during their undergraduate career, have a 3.5 cumulative grade point average and present a senior project.

Amanda Burton, Mitchell

Breanna Clark, Loveland Colo.

Alexandra Kuehler, Sturgis

Shelby Steele, Geddes

Leah Wienbar, Iroquois

Jerry M. Trimble Leadership Award

This award is presented annually to a student leader who exhibits academic integrity, ability to grow and change, and for influencing students and colleagues.

Christian Doyle, Jackson, Wyo.

Jennie Orr Memorial Scholarship

In memory of Mrs. S.D. Orr, her husband and children have established the Jennie Orr Memorial Scholarship Fund, which grants a scholarship to an outstanding art student who demonstrates the qualities of the “Four C’s” – character, culture, citizenship and craft.

Bailey Keller, Pierre

Harriet N. Houk Scholarship

Awarded to biology majors who maintain a 3.0 GPA.

Haley Brunke, Scotland

Celeste Beck, Hurley

Travis Moodie, Pierre

Michael Rohde, Colome

George and Eleanor McGovern Student Leadership and Public Service Award

This award is presented to a public service and leadership major or minor who has proven his/her commitment as an activist for the common good through extraordinary acts of leadership and service.

Kelli Swenson, Chamberlain

DWU Future Teachers Organization Service Award

This award is presented to students who have exemplified outstanding service in the field of education, including activities of service to DWU, the community, and area public and private schools.

Bailey Gummer, Brookings

Skyler Heyden, Burke

DWU Marjorie Linton O’Byrne and Laura Linton Scholarships

This scholarship is awarded to students based on service to DWU and area education communities, as well as academic prowess and growth as future teachers.

Kayla Collins, Plankinton

Megan Hart, Mount Vernon

Skyler Heyden, Burke

Kayla Mielitz, Big Stone City

Jenna Miller, Mitchell

Lexy Timm, Yale

Virginia A. Harms Endowed Scholarship in Elementary Education

Scholarship recipients are selected by the education faculty based on scholarship, service, ability and a passion for helping all students learn.

Marissa Tubbs, Mitchell

Kelby Van Wyk, Hawarden, Iowa

Adkins Mathematics Award

This award is given to encourage mathematics students.

Devinne Facile, Sioux Falls

Janet Glenny Farney Memorial Award

This award is given to a student majoring in mathematics who has overcome extraordinary difficulties in order to maintain at least a 3.0 GPA.

Zachary Ciavarella, Mitchell

Elizabeth Graham Colton Prize

This cash prize is awarded to a student whose talent, work and promise in creative writing is worthy of recognition.

Taylor Spence, North Branch, Minn.

Edith Heritage Garrison Memorial Prize in Writing

This is a cash award presented to a student in any field of study whose intellectual curiosity and interest in communicating with others leads to outstanding formal and informal essay writing.

Mareisha Marvin, Mitchell

The Sinfonia Service Award

This award is given to a member of the choir who best represents the characteristics of “Sacrifice or Service” to the music department.

Ryan Antaya, Platte

Warren W. Coxe Sociology Award

Awarded to an outstanding junior of senior sociology major.

Theresa Wheeler, Mitchell

Mary E. Anderson Freshman Nursing Merit Award

This award is presented to a freshman student in the nursing program who shows scholarship and promise for excellence in nursing.

Lindsay Fredrickson, Mitchell

Irene Grace Wendt Endowed Scholarships

Established in memory of Irene Grace Wendt, this scholarship is given to two nursing students, a freshman and a nontraditional student, selected by the nursing faculty.

Tatyana Brown, Mitchell

Chelsea Raker, Scotland

Ivan and Doris Bartels Endowed Scholarship in Nursing

This scholarship was established for outstanding students studying in the field of nursing.

This award is given annual by the athletic training faculty to an athletic training student who excels academically, and has demonstrated service above and beyond the minimal expectations of the academic program and university.

Tyler Sarringar, Pierre

American Association of University Women DWU Scholarship

This award is given to female nontraditional junior students with a GPA of 2.5 or above. The cash award is set up as a fund at the campus bookstore.

Jordan Adam, Mount Vernon

Lindsay Fredrickson, Mitchell

Chelsey Plamp, Stickney

Hilary Ryan, Wessington Springs

Vicki Clarke Memorial Endowed Scholarship for Leadership and Service

This scholarship is awarded annually to a student who has demonstrated the conviction and ability to model Vicki Clarke’s example of leadership and service.

Joseph Ford, Vermillion

Jared Stearns, Canton

Master Craftsman Award in Theatre

The Master Craftsman Award in Theatre is awarded to graduating seniors of high

academic standing who have supported the university theatre in outstanding

ways as participants and by promoting excellence in the performing arts in the

academic community and the community at large.

Megan Reimnitz, Corsica

Anonymous III Scholarship

Recipients will be commended by the chairman of the department of communications/theatre. Recipients are role models in the classroom and through their use of communication skills, with an emphasis on correct verbal English grammar.

Ann Thury, Parkston

Homer Carhart Prizes in Science

Jordan Adam, Mount Vernon

Hannah Ford, Vermillion

Marv Miller Christian Leadership Award

This award is given to a student who meets the criteria of excellence and distinguished academic achievements in the field of religion and philosophy.

Autumn Krueger, Harrisburg

Kelley Center Student Leadership Awards

The Kelley Center Student Leadership Awards are designed to recognize emerging student leaders. Recipients demonstrate individual commitment to the mission of the Kelley Center, as well as their ability to promote its mission through a leadership role within the DWU Chapter of Students in Free Enterprise.

Katherine Johnson, Mead, Neb.

Brent Matter, Cavour

Lindsey Miller, Letcher

Jared Stearns, Canton

Hughes Grant-in-Aid for Summer Experiences Award

The Hughes Grant-in-Aid for Summer Experiences provides an award of up to $2,000 to a biology or mathematics major to pursue summer field and/or research experiences that are not available at Dakota Wesleyan.

Megan Johnson, Rapid City

Tiffany Sharp, Brighton, Colo.

Education Learning Through Service Scholars

The elementary, secondary and special education majors in the Learning Through Service independent honors practicum within the education department have demonstrated superior ability in the university classroom and exceptional teaching skill during field experiences. The students are approved by education department faculty and placed in a classroom with a master teacher/mentor; they write their own course objectives designed to connect coursework with academic inquiry and apply theory to classroom practice while providing service to the community. Eligible students may apply to participate in this experience for up to three semesters.

Lindsey Corrin, Rapid City

Alexandra Davis, Chula Vista, Calif.

Mallory Jark, Warner

Stephen Lee, Hurley

Emily Olson, Woonsocket

Lexy Timm, Yale

Marissa Tubbs, Mitchell

Kathryn Uttecht, Pierce, Neb.

Lydia Ymker, Armour

AmeriCorps

This program connects students with communities through meaningful academic service, civic engagement and community service experiences.

Shelby Andersen, Ethan

Sterling Dockweiler, Casper, Wyo.

Skyler Eriksen, Presho

Eric Fjerestad, Sioux Falls

Jordyn Heath, Kimball

Christen Hildebrandt, Faribault, Minn.

Tina Lein, Chamberlain

Kayla Leininger, Sioux Falls

Stephanie Teel, Stickney

Debra Teger, Mitchell

Ashley Tipton, Plankinton

Matthew Tuttle, Ethan

Raymond and Helen Trent Paulsen Memorial Nursing Award

This award is given to a student in the nursing program who is interested in an elder care career.

Jennifer Schelling, Armour

Katherine McKillop Sophomore Nursing Award

This award is presented to a sophomore student in the nursing program whose scholarship is worthy of recognition.

Jenna Winckler, Lake Andes

Nursing Faculty Awards

These awards are given to students who demonstrate an enthusiasm for learning, giving quality care and who have a positive attitude.

This award goes to a student who participates in extracurricular activities and demonstrates an outstanding ability in a clinical setting.

Briana Jung, Warner

Thompson Nursing Leadership Award

This award is given to a graduate of the nursing program who has demonstrated leadership skills within student nursing organizations and community activities.

Sara Deinert, Mount Vernon

GBHEM United Methodist Scholarship

This award is an investment made possible by the Student Day offering in United Methodist churches nationwide. Scholarships are designated for full-time students who have been active members in the church for at least one year and who have maintained at least a 2.5 grade point average.

Matthew Bader, Pierre

Madeline Bauer, Wall

Abby Carpenter, Canton

Nathanial Collins, Belle Fourche

Kyle Gilles, Monticello, Minn.

Aimee Lenocker, Tulare

Dylan Ljunggren, Dell Rapids

Miranda Olson, Huron

Cody Silveria, Moss Beach, Calif.

Mackenzie Stevens, Polk, Neb.

Honor Societies

Phi Kappa Phi – a national scholarship society open to juniors, seniors and faculty. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 5 percent of juniors are eligible.

Celeste Beck, Hurley

Abigail Fossum, Canton

Alex Kuehler, Sturgis

Taylor Kuhn, Surrey, N.D.

Cassie Landgaard, Worthington, Minn.

Kayla Mielitz, Big Stone City

Chelsea Raker, Scotland

Diane Sandhoff, dean of the College of Healthcare, Fitness and Sciences at DWU; professor of nursing and director of R.N. program

Jared Stearns, Canton

Shelby Steele, Geddes

Kelsey Warns, Madison

Briana Weiss, Mitchell

Pi Gamma Mu – a national social science fraternity intended to stimulate achievements by students in the social sciences. Membership is restricted to 10 percent of the junior and senior classes. Members are elected by the Pi Gamma Mu membership from students with a minimum of a 3.0 grade point average in social science courses and in the top one-third of their class.

Seniors:

Shelby Andersen, Ethan

Amanda Burton, Mitchell

Zachary Ciavarella, Mitchell

Lindsey Corrin, Rapid City

Christian Doyle, Jackson, Wyo.

Micaela Erickson, Milan, Minn.

Mara Eriksen, Presho

Amanda Hart, Alexandria

Valerie Hummel, Yankton

Chase Kristensen, Plankinton

Aimee Lenocker, Tulare

Katherine Lindow, Green Bay, Wisc.

Kayla Mielitz, Big Stone City

Chelsea Moody, Mitchell

Nancy Mutziger, Mitchell

James O’Halloran, Sioux City, Iowa

Traci Patrick, assistant director of annual giving at DWU

Talia Peters, Wagner

Lindsey Peterson, Pierre

Jared Stearns, Canton

Juniors:

Alexandra Christensen, Mitchell

Kayla Collins, Plankinton

Andrew DeVaney, Sioux Falls

Kyle Gerlach, Mount Vernon

Skyler Heyden, Burke

Jonathon Knight, Lantana, Texas

Brent Matter, Cavour

Kris Menning, Corsica

Dillon Miles, Mitchell

Emily Olson, Woonsocket

Emma Otterpohl, Mount Vernon

Kira Stammer, Mitchell

Lauren Tadlock, Rapid City

Lexy Timm, Yale

Marissa Tubbs, Mitchell

Jonathan Wieger, Waubay

Psi Chi – Psi Chi, a national honor society in psychology established to encourage, stimulate and maintain excellence in scholarship and advancement in the science of psychology. Membership is open to graduate and undergraduate men and women who are making the study of psychology one of their major interests and who meet the minimum qualifications.

Christian Doyle, Jackson, Wyo.

Erica Fett, Plankinton

Valerie Hummel, Yankton

Kira Stammer, Mitchell

Sigma Zeta – science and mathematics:

Jordan Adam, Mount Vernon

Jordan Buchholz, South Shore

Cheyenne Durant, Platte

Hannah Ford, Vermillion

Mallory Jark, Warner

Kelsey Kniffen, Lake Andes

Trent Robbins, Watertown

Jedd Schlicht, Woonsocket

Trevor Schroeder, Canistota

Paige TeGantvoort, Brandt

Sarah Zaiser, Dawson, Minn.

United Methodist Foundation Merit Scholars Program:

This program was created to foster values-centered education in a Christian context in United Methodist-related educational institutions. Recipients must be full-time students, active members of the United Methodist Church for at least one year before application, and citizens or permanent residents of the United States.

Skyler Heyden, Burke

Jedd Schlicht, Woonsocket

Jennifer Sip, Tyndall

Rachelle Steiner, Holstein, Neb.

Hatterscheidt Foundation Scholarships:

Samantha Geiman, Scotland

Natasha Letcher, Bridgewater

Lindsey Raker, Scotland

McKenzie Weidenbach, Parkston

F. Dwain Randall Scholarships:

Trae Bergh, Crooks

Breanna Clark, Loveland, Colo.

Dyrani Clark, Loveland, Colo.

Tyson DeGroot, Volga

Sara Deinert, Mount Vernon

Micaela Erickson, Milan, Minn.

Abigail Fossum, Canton

Pamela Getman, Hill City

Hannah Hammer, Dell Rapids

Katherine Johnson, Mead, Neb.

Kimberly Johnson, Sioux Falls

Briana Jung, Warner

Jonathon Kleinschmit, Fordyce, Neb.

Alexandra Kuehler, Sturgis

Cassandra Landgaard, Worthington, Minn.

Kayla Leininger, Sioux Falls

Eric Lundberg, Clear Lake

Jenna Miller, Mitchell

Samantha Mogck, Parkston

Tyler Sarringar, Pierre

Kelli Swenson, Chamberlain

Stephanie Teel, Stickney

Ann Thury, Parkston

Katherine Varnado, Ellsworth AFB

Tyler Vavra, Winner

Isaac Wheelock-Bouwman, Sioux Falls

Kellan Willet, Seward, Neb.

Lynze Wobig, Canova

Honors in scholarship:

Students who earn recognition for Honors in Scholarship must be in current attendance with a grade point average of 3.5 or above for all work at DWU and elsewhere. Juniors and seniors must have successfully completed at least two semesters; sophomores, one semester; and freshmen, 16 hours.

Dakota Wesleyan University was named to the 2013 President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. This designation is the highest honor a college or university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service-learning and civic engagement.

Dakota Wesleyan University is proudly affiliated with the Dakotas Conference of the United Methodist Church. Members of any and all faiths are welcome and encouraged to experience an education based on learning, leadership, faith and service.

Dakota Wesleyan University has been honored as a College of Distinction through demonstration of excellence in these areas: engaged students, great teaching, vibrant communities and successful outcomes.

The Chronicle of Higher Education named Dakota Wesleyan University one of the “Great Colleges to Work For®” for 2014-2015. DWU won honors in three categories: facilities, workspace and security, and supervisor/department chair relationship.